Quick Twitch notebook

2014-04-29 00:00:00

Some of the Dallas-area’s top prospects took part in Sunday’s Quick Twitch Skills Clinic, hosted by former Oklahoma wide receiver David Robinson and former Mississippi State defensive back Clay Mack.

Both Mack and Robinson have earned reputations for training some of the top recruits around. And Sunday’s crop certainly turned some heads.

Here is a roundup from the event.

Interest picking up for Sutton

One of 2015’s biggest sleepers is Dailen Sutton.

But that might change soon. Sutton is garnering more interest after winning DB MVP at last weekend’s NUC 5-Star Southwest Showcase and could be on the verge of earning his first offer.

“There was a lot of good competition at the NUC. I really enjoyed my time there because we got a lot of time in the 1-on-1’s and got to show what we really got,” Sutton said. “I’ve been really working hard this offseason. I’ve been hitting the weight room and running track.”

The two schools recruiting him the hardest at the moment are Louisiana Monroe and Louisiana Tech.

“I made it up to the Louisiana Tech junior day, and they told me that they wanted me to come out to their camp, and hopefully they’ll offer,” Sutton said. “ULM just started talking to me, so I haven’t done too much research. Both schools are showing interest in me, so I’m going to show interest in them.”

At 6-foot, 160-pounds, Sutton plays safety in high school, but his future could be at cornerback at the next level. Sutton fits the profile of the tall, long and athletic corner that most schools are looking for.

Sutton, who recorded 66 tackles and an interception last season, should get more looks this fall after transferring from Red Oak to Bishop Dunne.

“I’m really liking Bishop Dunne,” he said. “It’s smaller, so there is more of a family feel. I’ve been building strong relationships with our coaches. They do an awesome job of putting you out there and helping you get better.”

Jones focused on winning

When you play at Allen, you should expect to win state titles.

The Eagles have captured the last two 5A Division I state championships and are looking to add a third trophy to their display in 2014. And that’s why Allen has no trouble to staying hungry, according to junior defensive back Jaylon Jones.

“At Allen, after we win state, we forget all about it and forget it ever happened. Our focus is on the offseason, and it’s been going great,” Jones said. “We are staying really hungry because our ultimate goal is to three-peat.”

Jones is the lone returning starter on Allen’s defense. The Eagles lost big names like Chad Adams, Christian Sam and Tay Evans. But Jones says he is ready to take the torch and step up as the leader of the inexperienced unit.

To prepare for that extra responsibility, Jones has been putting in work with Mack almost every weekend.

“Training with Coach Mack has been really good,” Jones said. “He has a lot of experience at the collegiate level, and I’m just taking it all in. I’m learning my technique and skills, and it’s helped me improve a lot.”

On the recruiting front, Jones already holds offers from both Arizona State and Baylor. At the moment, the 2016 prospect is taking things slow and weighing his options.

“I’ve been talking to Coach (Todd) Graham at Arizona State and Coach (Jim) Gush at Baylor,” Jones said. “I haven’t been to Arizona State, but I’ve visited Baylor. I think they have a really nice campus and facilities. Right now, it’s still early and there is no difference between the two schools.”

Hines blowing up

No other 2017 prospect in the state has as many offers as Plano East linebacker Anthony Hines.

Despite giving an extremely early verbal pledge to Mississippi State back in October, offers have continued to roll in. Hines is now approaching 20 in total but says his commitment to the Bulldogs is still solid-- for now.

“It’s really exciting, but I tend to focus on my craft. That stuff is going to come, I know that. Colleges are coming to see me, so it’s best not to focus on the colleges and just focus on what I need to do.

“I’m still committed to Mississippi State because I’ve built such a strong relationship with Coach (Geoff) Collins and Coach (Deshea) Townsend. It feels like it’s the right place for me as of now.”

Miami and Nebraska are the latest schools trying to pry him away.

“I’m very interested in both of them. I sent Miami my film, and they offered after watching it. I’ve always liked Miami,” Hines said. “With Nebraska, a friend of a friend, Rex Burkhead, went to the league, so it’s a great program.”

On the field, Hines is adjusting to a higher level of competition and a new team. After recording 125 tackles and 11 sacks as a freshman at Dallas Episcopal, Hines decided to transfer to Plano East this offseason.

Hines was excited about playing for Randy Jackson, but he surprised many by taking the head coaching job at Grapevine after just one season at Plano East. Hines, however, is happy with his new setting and Jackson’s replacement, Joey McCullough.

“Coach Jackson leaving was a surprise. It was out of nowhere, almost,” Hines said. “But I understand that Grapevine was a great place for him and his family.

“Coach McCullough is an energy guy. He brings the heat. He motivates all of his players. I’m looking forward to a good change with him. We’re already starting to see us moving in a positive direction.”

EJ Holland is the associate editor of Dave Campbell's Texas Football and TexasFootball.com.

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